Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We use Best of Canaan 1-2 times a year for family trips.

Decent property had a very nice stay,my granddaughter loved it.She made friends with the big bear stuffed animal,she cried when we left because she didn’t want to leave him.My only complaint would be we would’ve liked to know about the canoe you can use no one told us until we asked another visitor who was on the dock by then it was our last night and it started to rain.Also you pay a $65 fee for the hot tub which doesn’t even work got in and rite back out very disappointed.Other than that we had an awesome time thank you so much for sharing your property with us.😊

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Had a great time. Rental was clean and well furnished. Owners need to finish outside roof repairs, but this does not impinge on inside stay. Hiked. Used hot tub. Visited nearby state parks. Lovely time

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The property is very private even though it is towards the front of Old Timberline. This makes it very convenient to get in and out. The house could use some updates and some TLC. The owners appear to be slowly working on the property. The house was stocked with everything we needed. The management company was absolutely wonderful! They were friendly, helpful, and attentive. Would definitely recommend renting through Best of Canaan.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We rent from Best of Canaan because of the community and access to Dolly Sods. The grandkids love fishing in the little lakes, the dog loves running around, and we all love the quick access to some of the best Dolly Sods hiking (high ground so no mud!). It’s a great place to chill and explore.The big negative: the house was so dirty. The dishes in the cabinets were dirty, there was human hair literally on dishes and in pots. Hair stuck on the chairs and sofas that a quick vacuum would take care of. Mice droppings in the kitchen drawers. The kind of dust that shows neglect on wall hangings, furniture. So I’m torn. We LOVE the location and the basic vibe of the house, and I’m not a germaphobe—we had our dog and grandkids—we get messy too. But this was just neglect, which is frustrating to see given the house’s potential. The bathrooms were clean. I would recommend to a friend but be honest about the condition of the place.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Even without AC, this house was overall a great place to be. I love the layout of the house and how comfortable the furniture is. The place DOES smell like dog, especially some of the beds, so make sure to have air freshener and plenty of laundry detergent to try to wash out the smell! Also, the hot tub is small (fits 4 comfortably) so be mindful of that. Many of the outlets do not actually work when you try to plug in devices. Otherwise, this place was a perfect getaway and close to many cool sites like Blackwater Falls! Would definitely visit again. :)

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: 1. Bathroom off kitchen leaking water.
2. Few window screens; those there are full of holes. With no air-conditioning this invited bugs.
3.Several lights have bulbs that don't work.
4. House is in run down condition, especially exterior.
5. Down stairs bed room, bathroom, has missing towel bar.
6. The house has mice in it (Observed).

This house has great potential but appears to suffer from neglect.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: 1. Bathroom off kitchen leaking water.2. Few window screens; those there are full of holes. With no air-conditioning this invited bugs.3.Several lights have bulbs that don't work.4. House is in run down condition, especially exterior.5. Down stairs bed room, bathroom, has missing towel bar.6. The house has mice in it (Observed).This house has great potential but appears to suffer from neglect.

The location was perfect. No close neighbors and no noise. A little disappointed that several of the Eateries listed on the brochure were closed, but we found sufficient places to eat. The house was outdated, but we had everything we needed. Plenty of kitchen paraphernalia to cook most anything. Plenty of towels. The beds were very firm, downright hard. Wood was provided for the fireplace and fire pit. The jacuzzi and pool table were a hit. I would recommend this place for family getaways. I would caution people who have difficulty with stairs as the living room is sunken. Fans were provided, but we got hot a few times as there was no air conditioning.

We had a great time at the cabin. The cabin is within walking distance to the Timberline ski resort. The cabin is a bit outdated but we had everything we needed and made it work. The property management office was great with communication. The hot tub and pool table need to be fixed or updated. The water wasn't too hot in the hot tub and no bubbles. We enjoyed it anyway. We enjoyed the pool table even though it's a bit beat up The pool table room had a hole from prior folks but it can be easily fixed. The house does need some Paint and newer kitchen cabinets and it would attract a lot more folks. Loved the fire place outside. 2 gentlemen brought plenty of wood to burn. We had snow slays that the kids enjoyed playing with. The washer and dryer worked great. Plenty of TVs and channels to watch from Great location. Highly recommend this place.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This was our second stay at Bear's Lair. The first being in 2010. The house needs some TLC but it's a cozy fun place. Well stocked with all the things a good mountain house needs. Hot tub needs replaced and as mentioned in an earlier comment, the beds are a bit firm so if you like a softer feel you'll need to pack accordingly.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: 9of us (7 adults and 2 young children) enjoyed a wonderful pre-Christmas ski week at Bear’s Lair. The house was perfect for our three-generation family — spacious public space, a dining table large enough to accommodate us, a big well-designed kitchen, bonus game room, and an almost perfect bedroom/bathroom arrangement (oldest single child had to adjoin room with nephews and share bathroom — not truly a hardship). Beautiful secluded location five minutes from Timberline ski lodge. The owners surprised us with a decorated Christmas tree. Along with a big fireplace that assured a festive holiday.

House was very clean. Other reviews have noted certain things that could use shoring up or even total renovation, and we experienced the same: pool table is beat, hot tub jets don’t work, faucet in mater bathroom sink bizarrely located, shower diverted in master bath only semi-functional, etc. none of it mattered because the snow on the mountain was great and we were gathered together in a beautiful space. Owner’s most recent entry I. Guestbook indicates they will begin renovations this spring so we expect all those nits to be fixed. Great property. Grateful for the chance to experience it.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: 9of us (7 adults and 2 young children) enjoyed a wonderful pre-Christmas ski week at Bear’s Lair. The house was perfect for our three-generation family — spacious public space, a dining table large enough to accommodate us, a big well-designed kitchen, bonus game room, and an almost perfect bedroom/bathroom arrangement (oldest single child had to adjoin room with nephews and share bathroom — not truly a hardship). Beautiful secluded location five minutes from Timberline ski lodge. The owners surprised us with a decorated Christmas tree. Along with a big fireplace that assured a festive holiday.House was very clean. Other reviews have noted certain things that could use shoring up or even total renovation, and we experienced the same: pool table is beat, hot tub jets don’t work, faucet in mater bathroom sink bizarrely located, shower diverted in master bath only semi-functional, etc. none of it mattered because the snow on the mountain was great and we were gathered together in a beautiful space. Owner’s most recent entry I. Guestbook indicates they will begin renovations this spring so we expect all those nits to be fixed. Great property. Grateful for the chance to experience it.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: When we arrived we found that the house was smaller than the pics depicted but that was ok, it was still spacious for 10 people. The house needed a good cleaning on the floors, windows, & showers, cobwebs and dust was everywhere. Water damage on ceilings, some inconsiderate guest threw their cigarette butts on the front porch, in the flower pot out front as well as the umbrella holder. In all nothing I couldn't clean on my own which I did. This has nothing to do with the home itself just the cleaning staff. Also seems they have new beds, they are extra firm and feel like you're sleeping on a concrete slab, after the first night we ran to Walmart got 3" memory foam Mattress Pads. It was just fine after that. We will def rent again and if need be clean it again to our expectations, it was a very nice place and worth the little bit we had to do.

The location is wonderful but the house was not clean. The owners had stayed days before us and the floors were dirty with food on them they left coffee grounds in the pot. The amount of dust and dirt on ceiling fan and various vents was awful. For such a nice home I would expect the owners to take more pride in their home.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Our family very much enjoys staying in Canaan Valley. Bear Lair is in a very nice location. The home was clean and works out well for a family stay. The vacation rental management staff was very helpful resolving a minor issue.

Loved the location and privacy of this property - very pleasant yard and deck. Bathrooms and plumbing could use major improvements due to showers not functioning well. Hot tub was lackluster and seemed to be functioning at about half its capacity. Overall though really neat spot and we enjoyed our stay.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This rental is a very nice place to stay. It has many amenities, it's clean, everything works, and plenty of room. I would definitely stay here again.

Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was spotless.I was very happy with the location.I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:This rental is a very nice place to stay. It has many amenities, it's clean, everything works, and plenty of room. I would definitely stay here again.

Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was very clean.I was very happy with the location.I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:We would definitely rent this property again. The 'great room' is such a nice space: big window views of the woods (with no visible neighbors); lovely stone fireplace; good seating for hanging out, playing games, and watching movies. The kitchen had a nice layout for cooking and hanging out and was decently equipped. Bedrooms were all a fine size (two very large, two normal). Bathrooms were nothing special but perfectly fine. We loved having the large mudroom to keep our ski equipment, boots etc. And the hot tub was such a nice perk. Of course, the proximity to Timberline and Canaan Valley skiing was great. The kids enjoyed the abundance of bears in the home (paintings, figurines, toy animals). There was a nice collection of stuff for kids (e.g., books, movies, games, puzzles). Also, we really appreciated having a free landline to use, as your Verizon cell phones were useless in the mountains. Any downsides? A few of us found the beds to be a bit uncomfortable, though this is a subjective thing. Also, there didn't seem to be a binder with info and recommendations about dining, groceries, recreation etc., which is something we've seen in a number of similar rentals. Finally, I'll note that the property may be best for folks who are not expecting perfection. The home was decently clean, but not immaculate. Some of the furnishings are a bit shabby. People who are relaxed and focused on having a good time won't care about this stuff, but those who like more of a luxe experience might be dissatisfied with these details.

Rating Details:The property manager was more than helpful.The vacation rental was spotless.I was very happy with the location.I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:Great location. Easy to go back and forth to ski resorts and also lots of places to take a hike. Well appointed kitchen. Had a lot of fun playing pool. While this is a beautiful home the living room furniture has lots of wear and needs updated. Ceiling issues apparent though no effect on our stay. This is a beautiful home that needs some care!

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great location. Easy to go back and forth to ski resorts and also lots of places to take a hike. Well appointed kitchen. Had a lot of fun playing pool. While this is a beautiful home the living room furniture has lots of wear and needs updated. Ceiling issues apparent though no effect on our stay. This is a beautiful home that needs some care!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We would definitely rent this property again. The 'great room' is such a nice space: big window views of the woods (with no visible neighbors); lovely stone fireplace; good seating for hanging out, playing games, and watching movies. The kitchen had a nice layout for cooking and hanging out and was decently equipped. Bedrooms were all a fine size (two very large, two normal). Bathrooms were nothing special but perfectly fine. We loved having the large mudroom to keep our ski equipment, boots etc. And the hot tub was such a nice perk. Of course, the proximity to Timberline and Canaan Valley skiing was great. The kids enjoyed the abundance of bears in the home (paintings, figurines, toy animals). There was a nice collection of stuff for kids (e.g., books, movies, games, puzzles). Also, we really appreciated having a free landline to use, as your Verizon cell phones were useless in the mountains. Any downsides? A few of us found the beds to be a bit uncomfortable, though this is a subjective thing. Also, there didn't seem to be a binder with info and recommendations about dining, groceries, recreation etc., which is something we've seen in a number of similar rentals. Finally, I'll note that the property may be best for folks who are not expecting perfection. The home was decently clean, but not immaculate. Some of the furnishings are a bit shabby. People who are relaxed and focused on having a good time won't care about this stuff, but those who like more of a luxe experience might be dissatisfied with these details.

We were looking for a dog friendly house for a long ski weekend to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday that would comfortably sleep 6 adults, two kinda big teens, and 2 younger kids, as well as give us ample room for hanging out, cooking, etc. We absolutely loved our stay and our only regrets are that we didn't book a longer trip and that I didn't put kindling and matches on my packing list (we managed!). The kitchen has pretty much everything we could have needed for big family meals, there was a big woodpile, and an amazing fireplace. The pool table is on the main level but on the opposite side of the house from the main living room -- allowing great conversation by the fire while others are having a robust competition. I had hoped for the best because of some of the critical reviews, but we found the house clean and very comfortable. It is true that there is some wear and tear on some of the floors and furniture, but we saw as a true family mountain house rather than any kind of detraction. If I could make one recommendation to the owners, it would be to have the showers adjusted because some of the pressure is lost, but not a deal breaker for us as is. Things to know are that the bunk room furniture changed from when we booked so that is it one bunk (full over full) and one twin. We had two that could sleep together so made it work. Also, you might need 4WD once you get into the gated community, but this is one of the first houses and has a pretty level drive. You could probably walk to Timberline for skiing, and Canaan is about a 5 minute drive. The house feels private and was very cozy. If you only love new construction and marble countertops, you are probably not going to love this place. But if you are wanting a clean, well-stocked family house that is dog friendly in a gorgeous place with lots of outdoor opportunities, I recommend.

This house was perfect for 8 adults and our pups. Everyone had their own space, the house was set back from the road and felt like we were the only ones out there. As expected from other reviews, there are some minor updates that would be helpful but we had all the basics in the kitchen and around the house. We used the fireplace (and bought starter logs - so just a note for others). We also had a decent amount of snow but were able to access the house without 4 wheel drive. There's a parking lot by the guard house that we could have parked if there was more snow. Short drive to Timberline to ski would definitely come back winter or summer!

The property was just as described & in a great location. A very peaceful setting, deer in the yard, and the house was stocked with most everything you’ll need. The kitchen was stocked sufficiently for us to cook Thanksgiving dinner. But the furnishings & mattress need replacing. The house hasn’t been well cared for & it shows. Spider webs & dead moths aside it was fairly clean. I had read ahead of time that the property needed some work so I wasn’t surprised. We did enjoy it & were very comfortable.

Rating Details: The property manager was very unhelpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: It was wonderful to get together with my adult children. This property allowed us plenty of room, even in the kitchen to work and play together. We loved the privacy and the large yard. However, walking in the kitchen to find a mouse trap on the counter, was not a great way to start the vacation. I immediately wiped everything down with Lysol wipes, including all bathrooms. Also, the house is in need of serious cleaning. All corners and lights were covered with cobwebs. This has once been a beautiful house. The owners need to go in and fix the holes in the ceiling and other normal updating. If only for the large yard and privacy, I would rent again, but I would expect the price to be lower until it has been taken care of better.

Rating Details:The property manager was very unhelpful.The vacation rental was somewhat dirty.I was very happy with the location.I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:It was wonderful to get together with my adult children. This property allowed us plenty of room, even in the kitchen to work and play together. We loved the privacy and the large yard. However, walking in the kitchen to find a mouse trap on the counter, was not a great way to start the vacation. I immediately wiped everything down with Lysol wipes, including all bathrooms. Also, the house is in need of serious cleaning. All corners and lights were covered with cobwebs. This has once been a beautiful house. The owners need to go in and fix the holes in the ceiling and other normal updating. If only for the large yard and privacy, I would rent again, but I would expect the price to be lower until it has been taken care of better.

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My family hubby and 4 young adult children stayed for 4 nights. Great layout. We loved the family room with fantastic fireplace. Location was good for quick trips to town for groceries and close to hiking, Seneca Rock and Blackwater Falls. Major plus was Dolly Sods trailhead just a 3 min drive up the mountain. The house does need a bit of TLC. T
Pros
Private lot
Outdoor space-decks, good parking, hot tub,large lawn with fire pit andorandak chairs- did not use due to rain
Kitchen-Large kitchen/ dinning area, appliance in good working order. Large dinning table with plenty of seating.
Bedrooms-Large with plenty of closet, storage and linens.
Bathrooms- 2 private baths - one jack and jill great for my 3 girls to share. Plenty of bath linens.
Common space- Fantastic great room with large fireplace and lots of wood provided. Comfy couches and side chairs.
Entertainment/WiFi- lots games and books- pool table a plus
Cleanliness - basic cleaning

Cons
Outdoor space-Hot tub light and jets not working properly, Outdoor grill not fully working. Outside dinning lacking, Outside of home needs through cleaning. Aesthetic repairs needed.
Kitchen - Described at well equipped. Not the case. We were there during covid mitigation so ordered in and cooked. Kitchen utensil and cookware lacking. Kitchen cabinets and countertops have seen better days.
Kitchen floor laminate in disrepair. Sink facet needs replaced.
The counter bar stool are the way too high - can’t sit and eat.
Bedrooms-All mattresses seemed new but very very firm and difficult for all of us to sleep
Bathrooms -Shower faucets need replaced- little to no water pressure.
Common space - some furniture tore/excessively worn -needs replaced
Entertainment/ WiFi- Old TVs in bedrooms. VCRs only. Family room Tv okay but sound quality. WiFi slow. Do not rely on for downloading/streaming/ multiple devices
Cleanliness- deep cleaning needs

Rating Details:The property manager was more than helpful.The vacation rental was clean.I was very happy with the location.I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:My family hubby and 4 young adult children stayed for 4 nights. Great layout. We loved the family room with fantastic fireplace. Location was good for quick trips to town for groceries and close to hiking, Seneca Rock and Blackwater Falls. Major plus was Dolly Sods trailhead just a 3 min drive up the mountain. The house does need a bit of TLC. TProsPrivate lotOutdoor space-decks, good parking, hot tub,large lawn with fire pit andorandak chairs- did not use due to rainKitchen-Large kitchen/ dinning area, appliance in good working order. Large dinning table with plenty of seating.Bedrooms-Large with plenty of closet, storage and linens. Bathrooms- 2 private baths - one jack and jill great for my 3 girls to share. Plenty of bath linens.Common space- Fantastic great room with large fireplace and lots of wood provided. Comfy couches and side chairs. Entertainment/WiFi- lots games and books- pool table a plusCleanliness - basic cleaningConsOutdoor space-Hot tub light and jets not working properly, Outdoor grill not fully working. Outside dinning lacking, Outside of home needs through cleaning. Aesthetic repairs needed.Kitchen - Described at well equipped. Not the case. We were there during covid mitigation so ordered in and cooked. Kitchen utensil and cookware lacking. Kitchen cabinets and countertops have seen better days.Kitchen floor laminate in disrepair. Sink facet needs replaced. The counter bar stool are the way too high - can’t sit and eat.Bedrooms-All mattresses seemed new but very very firm and difficult for all of us to sleepBathrooms -Shower faucets need replaced- little to no water pressure. Common space - some furniture tore/excessively worn -needs replaced Entertainment/ WiFi- Old TVs in bedrooms. VCRs only. Family room Tv okay but sound quality. WiFi slow. Do not rely on for downloading/streaming/ multiple devices Cleanliness- deep cleaning needs

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Very Pleasant time in a beautiful setting

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a great week at Bear's Lair-our 4th stay in this house. It was a very unusually hot week so all the fans in the house were very helpful but could use some new ones. The house could use some updating, but there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and our dogs love it too. the beds are very firm but comfortable. And the hot tub was great when it cooled off in the evenings. We brought our kayaks and love how close this house is to the lake. We hiked at Blackwater and Canaan state parks as well as the Valley View trail at the top. And we were lucky enough to see the comet!